A Bellefontaine man was arrested Saturday afternoon after a reported domestic violence incident at a home on Ohio Street.
According to the Bellefontaine Police Department, officers were dispatched around 4:35 p.m. to the 900 block after an 11-year-old called 911, reporting a physical altercation involving a man and woman inside the home.
Dispatchers were also told a firearm was inside the residence, but secured.
When officers arrived, they found the female victim outside the home with several children.
Police said she was upset and crying.
The male suspect, 34-year-old John Watkins, was found near a shed behind the residence and cooperated with officers.
According to the report, Watkins told officers the argument began over household chores involving the woman’s 14-year-old son.
Watkins admitted he became angry after being confronted by the victim and said he “swiped up” at her face during the confrontation, claiming it was a “show of force.”
The victim told officers Watkins struck her in the head hard enough to knock off her glasses and gaming headset.
She also alleged he threw a wooden blanket stand at her, striking her wrist and arm, before grabbing and twisting her shirt during the struggle.
Police said the woman had facial redness and was evaluated by medics at the scene.
Officers also spoke with the 14-year-old, who confirmed Watkins aggressively approached him during the incident.
Watkins was taken to the Logan County Jail on a domestic violence charge.
Police noted a criminal history check showed no prior criminal convictions.
